ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2024 45 teria such as Salmonella or E.coli. Their main function is to provide structural integrity to bacteria and provide a barrier or defence against environmental stresses. Endotoxins are normally released within the host animal or into the environment when gram-negative bacteria die. But they can also be released by bacteria when multiplying or invading a host. Cattle are consistently removing and dealing with bacterial endotoxins. However, most of the time none of their adverse effects will be noticeable because a healthy cow’s immune system is able to cope daily with the general challenges presented by endotoxins. Endotoxins only become a problem if they enter the bloodstream. This sometimes happens if a host’s immune system is overstimulated or unbalanced, such as when challenged by disease or environmental stress. If this happens, depressed feed intake is often the first sign, but inflammation and sometimes even fever can also result. For example, when cows are fed a high cereal diet and rumen pH drops, the acidotic state of the rumen can lead to bacterial death and release of endotoxins. If the endotoxin load is high enough, endotoxemia can occur. Maintenance of a healthy immune status and a favourable population of rumen flora – as well as the feeding of certain feed additives – will help mitigate any threat from endotoxins to the cow. For example, beta-glucan can be used to train the immune system not to overstimulate in the presence of endotoxins. Alternatively, proven endotoxin-specific binders, such as Volac’s new generation Ultrasorb R 3.0 can also be used routinely to bind endotoxins in the gut and prevent them from entering the bloodstream. With today’s high performing dairy cows often on a knife-edge, standard diet-based acidosis, mycotoxin and endotoxin remediation strategies are well worth considering. Reference: 1. An extensive analysis of Volac’s own carbon emissions has enabled the business to set ambitious but achievable net zero targets of Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and Scope 3 by 2045. Volac has recently published details outlining progress in its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) 2023/24 report. About Sarah Banks Sarah Banks has been with Volac since 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams University College. Recently, she completed the Sustainable Marketing Leadership programme at Cambridge Judge Business School. Passionate about sustainable practices, she advocates for the future of agriculture. Banks has held senior positions across various departments, including Technical, Marketing, Business Development, Crisis and Risk Management, Customer Service, Quality, Environmental Health, Safety, and Regulatory Affairs. Currently, she leads the Sustainable Marketing and Net Zero Sustainability Strategy as a key member of the Animal Nutrition Executive team at Volac. Animal Nutrition SPECIALISTS IN MYCOTOXIN REMEDIATION, PROBIOTICS AND PHYTOGENIC SOLUTIONS For more information visit volac.com or contact feedadditives@volac.com
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